The product was neither on display nor was it associated with a start-up. But the ‘Non-Invasive Haemoglobin Count Device’ received enquiries about its functioning and design by potential investors at the BioAsia-2017 conference. The device was developed by two students and faculty members of the Biomedical Engineering Department of Osmania University. The team put up a stall at the exhibition which was part of the conference.
It took six months for the team to develop the prototype of the product which helps in measuring the haemoglobin concentration in the body in a unique manner. Unlike the conventional method of extracting blood, the process is non-invasive. A person has to wrap a ring-like object around his/her finger and within seconds, the haemoglobin level can be known.
According to M. Venkateswara Rao, associate professor at OU and one of the members of the team, the error in the result vary between 2% and 5%. He said patent has also been applied for, for the product.
“The advantage is that since it is non-invasive, there are less chances of infection. There will also be less bio-waste due to the procedure and a patient does not have to wait for days for the result. The product is highly beneficial in rural areas since the haemoglobin level can be checked by just carrying the equipment,” said Mr. Rao, adding that the device may cost around ₹40,000 if it is commercially produced on a large scale.
Another unique product on display was the ‘Brain Controlled Environment’ that is being developed by the members of Centre for Healthcare Entrepreneurship, IIT Hyderabad. Through the product, the developers aim to empower the paralysed and those who are not in a position to carry out basic activities. According to Santosh Reddy, who is involved in the making of the product, a cap-like device should be worn by the person and depending on his reaction, the tasks will be programmed.
To start with, the members have successfully tested the powering of fans through the blink of an eye.
Already into their eight month, the young science entrepreneurs are working towards making the full-fledged model soon to showcase it to the investors.
